FASTER trains and stations to be staffed all the time – that is what a rail passenger watchdog has outlined as its main priorities for the c2c line.

The contract for the Shoebury to Fenchurch Street line is up for grabs from next year and the Southend Rail Travellers’ Association issued a wishlist of priorities for whoever takes over.

These include the provision of 75mph to 100mph trains between Benfleet and Barking, more carriages at off-peak times, a service on Boxing Day and stations to be staffed at all times when trains are running.

The association said it did not accept the case for an automatic ten-year franchise. It also called for improvements to services to Leigh station in the run up to the Olympic Games.

With plans for the Hadleigh mountain bike events now well under way, Peter Slattery, chairman of the association, said: “We believe this event provides an opportunity to improve the service, as many people will be travelling to Leigh.

“We have been advised there are plans to improve Leigh station during 2011, but we wait to see the revised travel details for the days the event is being held.”

He welcomed improvements to stations already in place along the line. These include refurbishments at Leigh and three sliding doors at Southend Central.

But he added: “Unfortunately, many of our stations have not had investment for many years and are in poor condition. Chalkwell and Southend East, with all their graffiti, are prime examples.”

Ellen Rossiter, c2c spokeswoman, said: “We are proud of our record at c2c. The franchise is one of the most successful in the country, achieving a record-breaking punctuality of 96.7 per cent over the past year and operating the most reliable fleet of trains in the country.”